Kraftwerk’s connection to cycling stretches back decades, ever since the release of their iconic “Tour de France” track in 1983. That passion for two wheels is now back in the spotlight, as yet another bicycle tied to the legendary electronic group is set to go under the hammer.
This particular machine is a Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Kraftwerk, part of an extremely scarce run of only 21 units. Its graphics were crafted by Kraftwerk co-founder Ralf Hütter himself, created as part of a partnership tied to the 2017 Tour de France Grand Départ, which took place in Düsseldorf—the band’s hometown. While there is no documentation confirming that Hütter ever actually rode this specific bike, its rarity and design pedigree make it a highly desirable collector’s item.
Canyon’s founder, Roman Arnold, once explained that his motivation for teaming up with Hütter came from fond adolescent memories. He recalled spending time in friends’ basements as a teenager, listening to Kraftwerk’s revolutionary sound, and those recollections inspired him to pursue the collaboration.
Originally, Canyon priced the Ultimate CF SLX Kraftwerk at €10,000. Now, nine years later, enthusiasts are eager to find out whether its value has grown. The example hitting the auction block is numbered 5 of 21, and it carries a pre-sale estimate of £10,000 to £20,000—a range that suggests it likely has appreciated.
The build is far from ordinary. It features top-tier components from SRAM and Zipp, while the matte black frame is adorned with an elaborate geometric pattern made from reflective tape. According to Canyon, applying that intricate design required more than seven hours of manual work per frame.
The lot doesn’t stop at the bike itself. It also includes a Kraftwerk cycling jersey, a t-shirt, a water bottle, and various other items, along with the numbered certificate of authenticity and the original packaging.
There is clearly a thriving market for cycling memorabilia connected to Kraftwerk. About a year ago, a titanium Speedwell bicycle ridden by the late Florian Schneider in the band’s 1984 “Tour de France” video fetched $57,600 at auction, before a 28% buyer’s premium was added.
Collectors hoping to get their hands on this piece of music and cycling history should mark their calendars. Propstore’s auction is scheduled for 1 and 2 October. Ahead of the sale, a pre-sale exhibition will be held at the Cumberland Hotel in London from 24 to 27 September, giving potential bidders a chance to view the items in person.
